Signed in 2009 by seven global dairy organisations, the GDAA brings together the dairy stakeholders who are committed to pooling available resources and cooperating towards a more sustainable future. The pledge spans the entire dairy sector supply chain – from farm to table.

The session, chaired by Daniela Battaglia, FAO Animal Production and Health Division, not only demonstrated that the sector continues to fulfil its commitment through action and collaborative engagement, but that other global agriculture organisations support the dairy industry’s objective. Key achievements highlighted included the publication and implementation of a common methodology that assesses GHG emissions from the dairy sector.

“Our progress supports the conviction that dairy deserves to be a preferred source of nutrition. By addressing the efficiency of milk and dairy production, we address the increasing demand for food on global basis, and in particular protein demand. Within two years we have already seen widespread uptake from many countries around the world. Our sustainability website comprises 400 case studies from 50 countries and across the whole chain,” commented Richard Doyle, President of IDF, signatory organisation.

“The dairy sector has demonstrated that it is committed to the reduction of greenhouse gases in a way that is economically viable, socially responsible and environmentally sound. We produce food more efficiently than we did five or ten years ago and we can see ways to continuously improve that production,” said Donald Moore, Executive Director, Global Dairy Platform.

“The first two years of the GDAA have successfully laid the groundwork to help reduce carbon emissions, and in addition to continuing this effort, over the next two years we will assess the potential for action in other sustainability factors, such as water use, management and quality issues.”

The GDAA has also received recognition from organisations central to the debate, such as FAO and representatives of the Global Research Alliance, namely Ministers David Carter and Tim Groser from New Zealand, and Minister Henk Bleker from the Netherlands.

The next progress report will be held during the 2013 IDF World Dairy Summit in Japan.

For more information about the GDAA and for detailed supporting evidence see our full report at: http://www.dairysustainabilityinitiative.org